“Most days are just full-blown blah,” 34-year-old Michael told his doctor during an initial consultation. “Even life’s simple pleasures no longer make me happy. The other day I watched an amazing impersonator at Washington Square Park and… Usually, that sort of thing makes me smile. But…nothing. That’s how I knew I was unhappy.”

While Michael’s former physician wanted to put him on an antidepressant, he insisted he wasn’t actually depressed but rather in a miserable, seemingly never-ending funk.

Whether you feel anxiety, depression, or just that all-too-common blah feeling, mood disorders often start in the gut. In this case, the gut-brain connection becomes more important than you might think.

Whereas doctors may brush off Michael’s symptoms as something to medicate away, there’s another way to look at this if you think of the gut. Even a slightly off-kilter mood can affect work performance, relationships, and just about everything else in life.

Instead of starting with brain health, the evolving new paradigm of functional medicine says start with your gut.

Let’s back up here. Michael’s former doctor had him on antibiotics for a minor infection. Along with a high-sugar processed diet, he owned a house in upstate New York that happened to be near an apple orchard. He was on two medications for high blood pressure. And his labs showed incredibly high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.

Those factors did a serious whammy to his gut health, triggering dysbiosis. That’s a fancy word for describing a gut flora imbalance, whereby unfriendly bacteria and/or yeast that produce neurotoxins take hold of your gut. As a result, they slow your ability to think, trigger depression, and affect your memory retention.

In fact, antibiotics are the biggest culprit for dysbiosis, but other things like chronic stress and environmental stressors (e.g., pesticides) also contribute. For Michael, those conditions led to leaky gut, which further affected numerous symptoms including brain fog and that blah feeling.

To understand why a gut imbalance (like dysbiosis) triggers problems like leaky gut and affects your mood, remember your gut’s inner lining is very thin, only one cell-layer thick, in fact. When that layer becomes compromised by stress and antibiotics, inflammation rapidly spreads from your gut through the rest of your body. Basically, a gut on fire is a brain on fire. Brain inflammation then leads to what people feel as depression.

For Michael, that meant he wasn’t digesting or absorbing the paltry amount of nutrients from his poor diet. Toxins, foreign material, infectious organisms, and partially digested food particles leaked into his bloodstream and traveled to the barrier between the brain’s special circulation and the rest of your body.

We call that barrier your blood-brain barrier (BBB). When you have a “leaky” gut, you also have a leaky brain. In other words, inflammation in your gut triggers inflammation in your brain.

Michael was also low in serotonin, a “happy mood” neurotransmitter. Your gut’s microbiome produces more serotonin than your brain, and about 95 percent of serotonin receptors are found in the gut itself. Along with about 30 other neurotransmitters, you can begin to see how your gut becomes central to feeling happy.

In order for Michael to fix his funk, he had to fix his gut.

When you balance your gut with the right proportions of healthy “probiotic” bacteria, you create a happy brain as well. Disturb that balance and allow the wrong bacteria and yeast to take over, and guess where their inflammatory metabolites and signals reach? Yep, they cross the BBB, stunning the brain and creating behavioral and emotional problems. With the bugs producing these toxins, your brain simply can’t function.

Throw in your immune system’s response (about 70 percent of your immune system lies in your gut), which includes the secretion of all sorts of inflammatory signals that also affect your brain, and you become chronically inflamed, leading to depression, erratic behavior, and even memory problems. High stress alone will affect your ability to retain memories.

Simply put, you cannot work effectively on your brain health if you don’t create an environment that reduces brain inflammation. Your brain functions best when its signals are not jammed by toxins, food allergens, dysbiosis, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.

To fix your brain and feel better, you have to start with the gut. These seven gut-focused strategies can benefit nearly every person who struggles with mood disorders:

1. Reduce your toxic load.

We’re inundated with about 80,000 chemicals, and chief among them are often the artificial substances, fillers, food dyes, processed foods, and sweeteners you eat on a daily basis that are causing a toxic buildup in your body. Michael became aware of these, like the artificial sweeteners he sprinkled into his morning dark roast. Switching to a whole food, unprocessed diet did wonders alone for his gut and his mood.

2. Lower inflammation.

Gut-associated inflammation manifests differently in each person. For Michael, it meant migraines but also mood disorders. For other patients, it includes asthma, allergies, or autoimmune diseases. To lower inflammation, diet is the place to begin. Most Americans eat about 20 times more inflammatory omega-6s than anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. Shift that balance with more nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory organic produce, wild-caught fish, freshly ground flaxseed, and a quality fish-oil supplement.

3. Nix the sweet stuff.

Eating high-sugar or sugar-equivalent foods feeds the yeast, leading to the production of neurotoxins that cause fatigue, mental fog, mood swings, headaches, problems with memory retention, poor concentration, inability to focus, insomnia, anxiety, and depression. You know the obvious culprits, but even “healthy” foods like agave-sweetened cookies can add to your sugar load.

4. Eat the right foods.

Healing mood disorders starts at the end of your fork, not a prescription. Your gut is the foundation for greater mind-body happiness. Feed it correctly with plenty of fiber-loaded plant foods, healthy fats (like walnuts, avocados, and olive oil), and some protein (particularly omega-3-rich fish). And throw in fermented and cultured foods rich in probiotics, like kimchi and sauerkraut.

5. Decrease stress.

Chronic stress takes a massive toll on your happiness, but it also messes with your gut. Michael found a 60-minute Vinyasa flow yoga class twice weekly lowered his stress levels and became an essential part of his healing journey. Other powerful tools at your disposal to dial down stress levels include deep breathing, meditation, and the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT).

6. Sleep deeply.

Studies show bad sleep whacks your immune system, ramps up inflammation, and does a number on your gut. Michael learned to turn off electronics about an hour before bed and read paper books instead. He found his mood almost instantly improved with eight hours of solid, uninterrupted nightly sleep.

7. Heal your gut with the right nutrients.

These include the gut-healing amino acid L-glutamine, the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), and a probiotic supplement. Probiotics—our little helpers—compete against bad bugs, one of many ways they protect us from harmful pathogens.

This article was created in collaboration with functional medicine certified doctor Vincent Pedre M.D.

]]>https://blog.renewlife.com/5905-2/feed/0Not Sure If Your Gut Is Messed Up? Here Are The 15 Signs To Look Forhttps://blog.renewlife.com/not-sure-if-your-gut-is-messed-up-here-are-the-15-signs-to-look-for/
https://blog.renewlife.com/not-sure-if-your-gut-is-messed-up-here-are-the-15-signs-to-look-for/#respondMon, 12 Feb 2018 19:49:25 +0000https://blog.renewlife.com/?p=5902“Normally two or three cups of coffee does it, but not for the past few mornings,” my 28-year-old patient Mary…

“Normally two or three cups of coffee does it, but not for the past few mornings,” my 28-year-old patient Mary told me during our initial consultation. “And then it happened: I was on the Q train yesterday, and bam, after being constipated, I suddenly had to go right that minute.”

I appreciated Mary’s frankness, and I couldn’t help think about how she was also my archetypical patient. She frequently felt tired, her joints hurt, recovering from a trip to the gym felt akin to having taken a boot camp class, migraines happened more days than not, and losing mental focus felt normal.

As we talked, Mary sipped a big plastic cup of cold brew. “I go from coffee to cabernet,” she half-joked, discussing how she “dialed down” her caffeine fix with a few glasses of wine when she got home from work.

Like most patients I see, Mary’s problems stemmed from one massive source: a gut out of balance. I had to remind her that running to the bathroom and feeling spacey were not normal, and that using over-the-counter or pharmaceutical drugs was not the answer.

As a medical doctor who specializes in gut problems like leaky gut and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), when I tell patients everything starts in your gut, I’m not joking.

These are among the most common signs of a gut out-of-balance I see in my practice. How many of these 15 do you regularly experience?

1. You’re not having regular bowel movements or you suffer from constipation.

Poor sleep, dehydration, and thyroid issues are among the many reasons you might struggle with constipation—often the result of an unbalanced gut microbiome. Bowel movements should occur at least once daily so that waste and toxins are efficiently removed from the body via the stool. The first and most important treatment for constipation: Drink at least 64 fluid ounces of water daily and don’t dehydrate with caffeine. The second important intervention—increase fiber. You can do this by upping your greens, but it is often helpful to add a fiber supplement, like Renew Life’s Fiber Smart powder.

2. You have bloating, gas, and other post-meal issues.

Contrary to what some patients believe, these are not normal symptoms after you eat. They suggest everything from poor digestion to yeast overgrowth, like Candida, or SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) in your small intestine.

3. You have frequent loose stools or diarrhea or need to run to the bathroom right after you eat.

Along with gas, bloating, and constipation, diarrhea gets placed under the umbrella term “irritable bowel syndrome” (IBS), which gives these symptoms a name but does nothing to clarify the true underlying cause(s) or the treatment. Worth repeating: Bolting to the bathroom after a meal is not normal and is a sign that your gut microbiome is out-of-whack.

4. You get frequent yeast infections.

The standard American diet (SAD) is full of sugar, processed foods, and food additives that promote the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast. Frequent yeast infections are almost definitely a sign your gut microbiota is harboring an overgrowth of yeast and losing favorable bacteria. Women are particularly prone to this, and for that reason, this probiotic is a great choice to create harmony in the vaginal flora.

5. You get sick often.

About 70 percent of your immune system lies in your gut, and one of your gut’s primary roles is to maintain an immune barrier to the outside world.Frequent colds and other illnesses could signify compromised gut health.

6. You have strong cravings for refined carbohydrates like bread.

Gut yeast feeds on simple carbohydrates found in white starches, sugars, fruit, processed foods, juices, and, of course, sweets and desserts. People with yeast overgrowth will crave more of these foods. Create a better balance of good gut bacteria to yeast by using tools like intermittent fasting, a low-sugar diet, and a high-potency probiotic.

7. You eat more sugar (desserts) than you care to admit.

You might have a sweet tooth, but overeating chocolate cake isn’t a lack of willpower. Yeast overgrowth and other gut issues often lead to sugar cravings, and those high-sugar foods feed yeast. That leads to the production of neurotoxins that cause symptoms like mental fog, mood swings, headaches, problems with memory retention, poor concentration, inability to focus, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

8. You have difficulty losing weight no matter what you do.

Gut bacteria can alter the way you store fat, your sensitivity to hormones signals that let you know you’re full, and the way your body balances blood glucose levels. The wrong type of microbial diversity (or lack of diversity) can set the stage for obesity and its associated diseases, like diabetes and heart disease. Leaky gut and other gut conditions can also keep your immune system in overdrive, leaving you inflamed and struggling to lose weight.

9. You are constantly tired, no matter how much rest you get.

If you’re getting eight hours of solid sleep nightly yet feel sluggish and fatigued throughout the day, gut conditions, like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and leaky gut could be among the culprits.

10. You have acid reflux, which you treat with medications.

If you are like the millions of people around the world who suffer from acid indigestion, heartburn, excessive burping, gas, bloating in your upper abdomen soon after you eat, or nausea before or after meals, you have a stomach acid imbalance. Before you turn to medication (which could do more harm than good), look at your diet and lifestyle. You may be suffering from low stomach acid instead.

11. Your doctor has put you on one or more courses of antibiotics.

Most infections are viral, yet many antibiotics only kill bacteria. Most of the time, rest and immune support are enough to resolve these infections, and among their chronic damage, repeatedly using antibiotics can seriously affect your gut flora. The good news is you can start to repair your out-of-whack gut ecosystem with a high-potency probiotic.

12. You struggle with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, or other painful conditions.

As experts better understand the association between gut inflammation and pain, more studies show gut inflammation contributes to painful conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, the latter of which affects up to 12 percent of the population.

13. You frequently feel anxious or depressed.

As your “second brain,” your gut can affect your mood and the way your brain functions just like your brain talks to your gut. Unfavorable gut bugs interfere with your brain’s ability to do its job, triggering mood disorders including anxiety and depression.

14. You have trouble remembering things and frequently have brain fog.

Remember that gut-brain connection? Yeast overgrowth, leaky gut, and other gut conditions can leave you feeling mentally fuzzy and frequently struggling with issues like remembering where you left your car keys. It’s not all in your head! Your gut health affects your brain health.

15. You break out in hives regularly.

Dysbiosis (or an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bugs in your gut) can lead to things like leaky gut. Your immune system does not recognize partially digested food particles (proteins), so it attacks, resulting in food sensitivities that can manifest as hives, allergies, acne, and other skin problems.

From that list, you can understand how pretty much every problem originates to some degree—and oftentimes, to a massive degree—from your gut.

This article was created in collaboration with functional medicine certified doctor Vincent Pedre M.D.

You have 10 times as many microbial cells in your body as regular cells—and your gut microbiome contains up to 100 times as many genes as the genetic pool inside human cells.

Put another way: Your gut houses about 100 trillion microbes, including about 600 different species of bacteria, several dozen types of yeasts or fungi, and an unknown number of viruses, which we collectively call your gut microbiome.

Our understanding about the gut microbiome is still in its infancy, yet the more we research it, the more we understand how our gut flora play tremendous roles in health and disease.

Symbiosis is a fancy word that means “living in harmony with”; in this case, think of a healthy, balanced gut microbiome that maintains a state of harmony with the rest of your body. Among its many roles, healthy gut flora contribute to production of essential amino acids, neurotransmitters like your feel-good hormone serotonin, and vitamins like vitamins K and B12.

Dysbiosis is the opposite of symbiosis. It means “living out of harmony with”. In other words, your “bad” bugs take over and throw an unwelcome party in your gut.

Everyone always has some bad bugs in their gut, but when too many overpower the good ones, they create these problems and more. Numerous factors contribute to gut imbalances, including a bad diet, chronic stress, constipation, and environmental toxins.

But the No. 1 cause of dysbiosis? Antibiotics. Whether you’ve been on antibiotics once in your lifetime, once a year, or once every few months, this exposure disrupts your gut flora balance. How do you know whether you have too many bad bugs? Well, symptoms of dysbiosis are nonspecific and appear in a variety of conditions.

People who have dysbiosis suffer from issues like recurrent diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and that “stuffed” feeling after meals. Others get skin conditions like rashes, hives, or numbness in your hands and feet or joint pain are also dysbiosis symptoms.

Dysbiosis becomes a downward spiral for your gut. Eventually it can lead to leaky gut, in which partially digested food proteins and inflammatory signals not intended to get through your gut wall do. As they slip into your bloodstream, your immune system pounces, ramping up inflammation and setting the stage for autoimmune disease.

Luckily, there are a few easy strategies that make healing your gut simple:

Remove the offenders.

Those include sugar in all its forms (including junk foods, but also “healthy” processed foods and high-fructose fruit) and food sensitivities like dairy and gluten. Studies show gluten sensitivity triggers dysbiosis, brain inflammation, gut-brain dysfunction, and even paves the path for dementia.

Nourish with the right foods.

We’re talking real, whole, nutrient-rich foods, of course, but also fermented and cultured foods. They support the growth and proliferation of your “good” bacteria. These include cultured foods like yogurt or kefir, fermented foods including sauerkraut and kimchi, and cultured beverages containing favorable live bacteria like kombucha and coconut water kefir.

Try a digestive enzyme.

The symptoms of digestive enzyme deficiency are extensive when you take into account all of their downstream effects. If you cannot digest your food properly, you’ll suffer dysbiosis and even depression. Try a professional-quality digestive enzyme. If your symptoms improve, you’re more than likely deficient in digestive enzymes.

Manage stress.

Along with antibiotics and a bad diet, researchers link psychological and physical stress with dysbiosis. You can’t eliminate stress, but you can certainly manage it with strategies like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or even walking your dog around the park. Schedule them into your life if you have to, but do them regularly. Your gut and your overall health will thank you.

Get great sleep.

Studies show disrupted sleep patterns can adversely affect your microbiome. That’s why I recommend patients keep a consistent sleep schedule and get at least seven (but more like eight or nine) hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep every night. Sleep hygiene can help you meet those numbers, as can supplements like melatonin, L-theanine, and inositol powder.

Exercise.

Emerging research shows exercise can enhance the number of beneficial microbial species, enrich the microflora diversity, and improve the development of commensal bacteria. The message is clear: Get out there and move your body. Look for ways to make movement (exercise) exciting and enjoyable. Try to mix it up—find variety in the ways that you move.

Use the right probiotic.

One supplement that is always helpful is a quality probiotic. Even if you eat plenty of fermented and prebiotic-rich foods (most people don’t), a probiotic supplement can help deliver billions of these healthy bugs to where they’re needed in order to maintain good gut balance. “Probiotics may restore the composition of the gut microbiome and introduce beneficial functions to gut microbial communities, resulting in amelioration or prevention of gut inflammation and other intestinal or systemic disease phenotypes,” researchers in one review noted.

]]>https://blog.renewlife.com/the-7-gut-healing-strategies-that-make-a-healthy-gut-simple/feed/0Why Self-Care Is So Much More Than Just Getting My Nails Donehttps://blog.renewlife.com/why-self-care-is-so-much-more-than-just-getting-my-nails-done/
https://blog.renewlife.com/why-self-care-is-so-much-more-than-just-getting-my-nails-done/#respondSat, 20 Jan 2018 19:51:03 +0000https://blog.renewlife.com/?p=5879If there is one life lesson that I think we can all take from 2017 moving into 2018, it’s that…

If there is one life lesson that I think we can all take from 2017 moving into 2018, it’s that self-care has heavily been on the forefront of so many people’s lives. It’s crucial really. After all, how are we able to take care of those around us if we aren’t taking care of ourselves? Being a busy mom, I more often than not realize that I have yet again, put myself on the back burner in order to make a quick meal for my kids or run them to an activity instead of doing what I knew I needed for myself. And then I get frustrated. Or worse, I end up sick because of lack of balance in my life. So here I stand in 2018 and my eyes have been open to an even bigger picture: self-care is so much more than just getting my nails done.

Yes. For real. There were so many publications this year that boasted how we all need to take better care of ourselves, which ended up mostly trickling down to beauty routines, massages and twice a month manicures. But even after all those special treatments and night cream, if I haven’t taken care of myself from the inside out, I’m still struggling with my self-care.

Being human takes guts. Make sure yours are up for it. And all your good health and digestion starts right there in your own gut, so start the new year with a renewed focus on you to achieve overall balance. A healthy gut can impact so much more than just your digestion though, it plays a role in your happiness (95% of your body’s serotonin, the happiness inducing neurotransmitter, is made in the gut.), diet, sleep and even your period. Taking a daily probiotic, like Renew Life Probiotics, helps ensure your gut is balanced with good bacteria.

Beyond that, if one of your goals is weight loss in the new year, taking a daily probiotic and having a healthy gut can help you fight off bad food cravings, too. (This is what I would call a win, win situation.)

Probiotics have played a big role in my life since they were recommended to me about five years ago by a coworker. Until then, I was pretty much living my life with constant gas (the painful kind, from head to toe) and bloating and always felt a bit off. Once I started taking them, so much changed and I honestly began to feel more comfortable in my own skin. When my daughter was born and started having tummy troubles, we found ones catered to her age group and used them religiously, too. And now, even my husband has jumped on board the probiotic train. Renew Life Ultimate Flora Probiotics has been a brand that we have trusted for years and something you will always find on my nightstand.

It’s easy to figure out which probiotic is right for you (because there are lots to choose from!). Simply visit renewlife.com to take a quiz and learn about the positive benefits you and your family receive from a healthy gut.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year!

]]>https://blog.renewlife.com/why-self-care-is-so-much-more-than-just-getting-my-nails-done/feed/0Are Gluten-free Foods the Way to Healthy Digestion?https://blog.renewlife.com/are-gluten-free-foods-the-way-to-healthy-digestion/
https://blog.renewlife.com/are-gluten-free-foods-the-way-to-healthy-digestion/#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 18:53:20 +0000https://blog.renewlife.com/?p=5869Nowadays we see the “gluten-free” label on everything from snack foods to meats and produce—which can be a little confusing…

Nowadays we see the “gluten-free” label on everything from snack foods to meats and produce—which can be a little confusing if you don’t know exactly what gluten is or whether or not you should be eating it. In fact, a recent study found that many people have switched to a gluten-free diet simply because they think it’s healthier or better for a balanced digestive system, but actually the opposite may be true. More about that later on in this blog, but first let’s start with the basics.

What is gluten?Gluten is a general term for a family of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and some cross-variations of the three. That said, you’re likely to find gluten in things like breads, baked goods, crackers, pasta and cereal. Other places gluten may be hiding are in soups, sauces, salad dressings, beer and food or beverages made with malt.

How does gluten impact digestion?People who do not have a gluten allergy are able to digest gluten without any issues. However, those who are allergic to gluten often experience a broad range of symptoms that are not limited to digestive discomfort. These symptoms differ by age, but they are often helpful in determining if an individual is suffering from celiac disease.

What is celiac disease?Celiac disease, sometimes called gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is an autoimmune disorder triggered by eating gluten. When people with celiac disease ingest gluten it causes damage to the small intestine, specifically the microscopic villi that line the intestinal wall and play an important role in nutrient absorption. Celiac disease is hereditary and affects about one in every 133 Americans, or roughly one percent of the population. There is also a condition called “non-celiac gluten sensitivity,” in which people have similar symptoms but for some reason do not test positive for celiac disease.

How is celiac disease diagnosed?Based on your (or your child’s) symptoms, your doctor will typically start with a variety of blood tests. If those tests indicate celiac disease may be present, he or she may schedule additional tests. For people with a known history of celiac in the family, screenings are recommended as a preventative measure.

Some signs and symptoms of celiac diseaseIt is important to understand that symptoms of celiac disease typically differ from children to adults, and that children are more likely to experience symptoms of digestive discomfort. Among children and adolescents, symptoms may include:

failure to thrive (in infants)

stomach pain

gas and bloating

constipation

chronic diarrhea

foul-smelling stool

nausea and vomiting

delayed puberty

changes in mood and behavior

neurological symptoms, including ADHD

poor appetite

weight loss

stunted growth

Symptoms of digestive discomfort are less common among adults. Though they may occur, adult symptoms of celiac disease are more likely to include:

anemia

fatigue

headaches

skin rash

mouth ulcers (canker sores)

depression and anxiety

osteoporosis

joint pain

fertility problems

missed menstrual periods

numbness/tingling in hands and feet

acid reflux and heartburn

What is the best treatment for celiac disease?Because celiac disease is a lifelong condition that can affect other parts of your body if not properly managed, it is important to take steps to preserve your health if you think you may have a gluten allergy. Once you have been tested and diagnosed with celiac disease, the most effective treatment is to follow a gluten-free diet.

What can I eat if I have celiac disease?Not to worry—having celiac doesn’t mean you’re doomed to a life of eating salad. On the contrary, there are plenty of healthy options for people with celiac disease. Like any healthy diet, the gluten-free food list includes fruit, vegetables, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy, beans, legumes and nuts. Because gluten is most often found in grain-based food items, the challenge often comes with avoiding breads, pasta and similar foods. However, some healthful and delicious grain options exist (and are often found in gluten-free bread, gluten-free pasta, etc.) to bring a little variety to your diet. They include:

quinoa

millet

kasha (buckwheat groats)

amaranth

teff

flax

chia

arrowroot

gluten-free oats

rice flour, tapioca flour and nut flours

When to consult your doctorIt is important to let your doctor know if you think you have a gluten allergy. For children, if digestive symptoms last longer than two weeks, consult a doctor. Likewise, Mayo Clinic experts recommend consulting a doctor if “your child is pale, irritable or failing to grow or has a potbelly and foul-smelling, bulky stools.” They also caution against eliminating gluten before you see your doctor, as this can alter test results when screening for celiac disease.

Why you should ALWAYS talk to your doctor before going gluten freeDespite a recent increase in the number of people diagnosed with celiac disease, many people are giving up gluten and even putting their kids on gluten-free diets simply because they think it is a healthier choice. This has a lot of experts worried, because eliminating gluten from the diet without the recommendation of a physician may be doing more harm than good—especially when it comes to children.

Based on a recent study published in The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers from Columbia University Medical Center believe starting healthy children on a gluten-free diet may actually increase their risk of developing other health problems later in life—from malnutrition and growth problems (due to a lack of essential vitamins and nutrients from the missing food group) to an increased risk of obesity and diabetes in adulthood (owing to the higher fat and sugar content in gluten-free food products).

“Parents should be counseled as to the possible financial, social and nutritional consequences of unnecessary implementation of a gluten-free diet,” said study author Dr. Norelle R. Reilly. She and her team surveyed 1,500 people on gluten-free diets and discovered that less than 8 percent of those surveyed had celiac disease. As for the rest, they believed it would improve digestion, was healthier overall, or they simply had no reason for going gluten free.

A daily regimen for digestive healthGood digestive health has a lot to do with giving our bodies the right “tools” to break down the foods we eat and help us maintain a healthy and well-balanced gut. Fiber, Omega-3 fats, probiotics and digestive enzymes are among the most important tools recommended for optimal digestion. Here is a quick introduction to each:

Fiber: Studies show that people who eat at least 25 to 35 grams of fiber every day are less likely to experience occasional constipation and other digestive issues. A high-fiber diet has also been linked to healthy weight management and heart health. Sources include fruit, non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and fiber supplements.

Omega-3: Beneficial Omega-3 fats such as EPA and DHA help nourish and support the cells of the colon to promote optimal digestive health, and research also links these good-for-you fats to a healthy heart, brain, skin and joints. Sources include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines; some leafy green vegetables; and fish oil supplements.

Probiotics: Probiotics are the friendly bacteria in your digestive tract that work to support a balanced internal environment and promote good digestion and immune health. Sources include fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, tofu, tempeh, miso and fermented vegetables, along with a daily probiotic supplement such as Renew Life® Ultimate Flora probiotics.

Digestive Enzymes. Digestive enzymes are found in raw foods and help the body digest food and absorb needed nutrients. In doing so, they also help prevent occasional gas, bloating and indigestion. Plant-based enzyme formulas are effective over a broader range of pH levels in the body. Sources include raw whole foods and digestive enzyme supplements.

Listen to your body to live healthierAlthough more common today than in the past, it is still only a small percentage of Americans who suffer from celiac disease. If you think you or your child may be gluten intolerant, talk to your doctor to see what your next steps should be. Finally, pay close attention to your body and how it reacts to the different foods you eat. This can help you make the best choices for your health and avoid occasional digestive discomfort.

]]>https://blog.renewlife.com/are-gluten-free-foods-the-way-to-healthy-digestion/feed/0Can Children Benefit from Probiotics?https://blog.renewlife.com/can-children-benefit-from-probiotics/
https://blog.renewlife.com/can-children-benefit-from-probiotics/#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 18:47:27 +0000https://blog.renewlife.com/?p=5866The short answer is a resounding yes. Children, like adults, receive many benefits from getting additional good bacteria throughout their…

The short answer is a resounding yes. Children, like adults, receive many benefits from getting additional good bacteria throughout their lives. Remember that at least 70% of our immune system can be found in the gut, where good bacteria work to maintain balance and support ongoing digestive and immune health. So it stands to reason that bolstering those numbers with probiotics for babies and children is a good way to support a healthy tummy and immune system during childhood and into adulthood.

Newborns receive their first good bacteria earlier than you might expectIt was long believed that babies received their first good bacteria from their mothers as they entered the world through the birth canal. But recent data suggests a newborn’s first exposure may happen even earlier—in the mother’s womb. A study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine suggests babies come into contact with a “small but diverse amount of bacteria” in the placenta—an organ that begins to develop shortly after fertilization and nourishes the developing fetus throughout pregnancy. This is interesting mainly because the mother’s womb was typically believed to be a sterile environment, but now there is evidence of a pre-existing bacterial community within the placenta that may be the beginning of each child’s unique microbiome.

When would a probiotic be suitable for a child?Regardless of when newborns receive their first microbes, supplying additional beneficial bacteria throughout the early years may help promote digestive and immune health. Keep in mind that babies and children encounter constant challenges to their immune and digestive systems as they grow and develop. Just like adults, factors such as diet, their environment, a change in routine, and the use of certain medications may disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut. For this reason, taking a probiotic supplement as early as infancy may help promote a healthy balance of intestinal flora to support digestion, and probiotics are considered a safe and gentle way to help support the immune system.*

Are probiotics safe for infants?Countless studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of supplemental probiotics for infants and children. Remember that probiotics are simply the “good” or “friendly” bacteria that occur naturally in the human gut. However, because babies and children encounter daily challenges to their immune systems that can affect a healthy digestive balance and lessen their numbers of good bacteria, daily probiotics for kids are a recommended way to help replenish their supply of good bacteria.

Many people wonder whether or not probiotics have side effects similar to some medications. It is important to remember that “side effects” is a medical term used in the labeling of some pharmaceutical products, and probiotics are not pharmaceutical drugs. They are dietary supplements that support good digestion and immune health.* Similar to when you consume a new food, they may produce occasional gas or bloating when first consumed. For this reason, many parents choose to progress gradually when starting kids on probiotics, often beginning with a smaller dose and increasing the amount each day to reach the recommended dose.

Why am I always hearing about strains?There are more than 100 trillion bacteria in a healthy human gut, and among them are more than 1,000 different strains of beneficial bacteria. Because different strains provide different benefits throughout the digestive system, it is ideal to select a probiotic supplement that contains a variety of strains. For example, our Ultimate Flora Baby Probiotic 4 Billion delivers a blend of scientifically studied, health-promoting strains chosen for their prevalence in infants’ and toddlers’ digestive tracts to foster optimum digestion and immune function.*

3 key benefits of probiotics for infants and childrenWe know from clinical studies that probiotics are strongly connected to digestive and immune health, both in adults and children. If your baby or child experiences occasional tummy upset or irregularity—or if you simply want to take preventative measures to help kids stay healthy throughout the year, keep in mind these 3 key benefits of probiotics for infants and children:

Healthy immune function. Added beneficial bacteria can support a healthy digestive balance and help teach the immune system to respond appropriately to outside challenges.*

Regular bowel movements. Regular elimination needs a healthy balance of good bacteria in the gut. A number of daily probiotics have been shown to help support that balance, which in turn promotes regularity and helps prevent the occasional upset tummy.*

Healthy digestion. In addition to producing vitamins—including important B vitamins—a number of probiotics produce digestive enzymes and support regular, balanced digestion.*

Beyond these benefits, scientists are just beginning to explore how a healthy, balanced gut is connected to our mood and behavior, energy levels, healthy sleep, happiness and the list goes on, so it’s no wonder more and more health care practitioners are recommending daily probiotic supplements to promote optimal physical and mental health.

Choosing the right probiotic for your little onesWhen it comes to choosing the right probiotic for your infant or child, it helps to consider a few things. For infant probiotics, look for a powdered formula that mixes easily with liquids. It should contain at least a billion live probiotic cultures and multiple strains. For school-age children, chewable tablets or gummies are a great way to help them get added good bacteria in their diet. Again, look for multiple strains to help promote digestive balance and support immune health. And always with infant and children’s supplements, be sure to check the label and make sure there are no artificial ingredients.

When to talk to your doctorA daily probiotic supplement is considered a safe and gentle way to support digestive and immune health in babies and children, but it is a good idea to consult your health care practitioner before starting your kids on any nutritional supplements. If you are concerned about specific digestive or health issues, always consult your doctor first.

Renew Life® Ultimate Flora Probiotics for babies and childrenAt Renew Life we believe a healthy, balanced gut is important at every age. Our Ultimate Flora Kids Probiotics provide added digestive and immune support for growing bodies, and may help easy tummy troubles when taken regularly.* If you want to learn more about children’s health and probiotics, visit our Learning Center to explore these topics and more.

]]>https://blog.renewlife.com/can-children-benefit-from-probiotics/feed/0Acid Reflux: What It Is, Why It Happens and Steps to Reliefhttps://blog.renewlife.com/acid-reflux-what-it-is-why-it-happens-and-steps-to-relief/
https://blog.renewlife.com/acid-reflux-what-it-is-why-it-happens-and-steps-to-relief/#respondTue, 28 Nov 2017 18:42:44 +0000https://blog.renewlife.com/?p=5862Do you remember the last time you experienced heartburn or acid reflux? The unpleasant burning sensation and discomfort are probably…

Do you remember the last time you experienced heartburn or acid reflux? The unpleasant burning sensation and discomfort are probably hard to forget, and chances are you reached for the nearest antacid to get relief. But what if there were a more natural way to feel better? Or, better yet, to prevent that discomfort from happening in the first place? You may not realize it, but simple changes in diet and lifestyle often go a long way toward avoiding acid reflux symptoms. Before we get to those, let’s take a look at what the term acid reflux means.

What is acid reflux?Acid reflux, also called acid indigestion, occurs when stomach contents travel backward up into the esophagus—which connects your throat to your stomach. This can be accompanied by a burning sensation in the chest, which is known as heartburn.

What is GERD? Is it the same as acid reflux?GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The different names can get a little confusing, especially since acid reflux is sometimes referred to as just “gastroesophageal reflux”. However, while the two conditions are similar, they are not exactly the same. Unlike occasional heartburn or acid reflux, GERD is more severe, with heightened symptoms that occur more frequently and last longer.

Signs and symptoms of acid reflux and GERDAcid reflux symptoms are easy to identify: the feeling of food (or stomach acid) backing up into your esophagus, and heartburn. GERD symptoms, on the other hand, can be more complex. They may include:

pain in the chest or abdomen (especially at night)

nausea and/or vomiting

pain or difficulty swallowing

sore throat, hoarseness

halitosis (bad breath)

trouble breathing (coughing, wheezing)

feeling like there’s a lump in your throat

How does diet impact acid reflux?Diet and nutrition play an important role in healthy digestion. Learning what foods and beverages to avoid is one of the most important steps we can take to prevent occasional acid reflux symptoms.

Foods and beverages to avoid:

fried or fatty foods

processed foods high in refined sugar

spicy foods

acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus fruits)

garlic and onions

chocolate

caffeinated beverages (such as cola, coffee)

carbonated drinks

It is also important to take the time to adequately chew your food, giving the enzymes in your saliva plenty of time to begin the process of breaking down the foods you eat. In addition, try to avoid the following: eating when you are feeling stressed or upset, eating too close to bedtime, and/or lying down or bending over after eating a large meal.

Common causes of acid refluxWe talked about dietary choices, but there are also several other factors that may trigger symptoms of acid reflux. These include being overweight, taking certain medications and smoking. Other causes include pregnancy, hiatal hernia, previous surgery and preexisting health conditions.

Important lifestyle tips that may help prevent acid reflux include:

Getting plenty of exercise

Maintaining a healthy weight

Quitting smoking

Natural remedies: diet and nutritionJust as there are foods and beverages that are known to trigger acid reflux symptoms, there are also those that may help prevent them. Adding more of these foods to your daily diet can support healthy digestive function and reduce the chances of experiencing reflux.

Probiotics and acid refluxWhen searching for natural acid reflux remedies and preventative therapies, a daily probiotic supplement such as Renew Life® Ultimate Flora Probiotics can support a healthy bacterial balance in the intestinal tract to promote good digestion.* Studies on adults as well as infants have shown that supplying additional good bacteria by way of supplementation helps reduce the symptoms of acid reflux and GERD by maintaining a balanced digestive environment—meaning greater numbers of beneficial to harmful bacteria in the gut.

The role of enzymes and digestive healthDigestive enzymes are proteins your body makes to help break down the food you eat into usable nutrients that are absorbed from the digestive tract and used throughout the body. Some foods, including many fresh fruits, also naturally contain enzymes, so you may be thinking, “If my body makes enzymes and they’re in my food, why would I need to take more?” Good question. The answer has a lot to do with what and how we eat. Heavily processed foods and even cooked foods often lack digestive enzymes, so your body may have to work harder to break down and absorb nutrients. This may cause occasional gas, bloating or indigestion. Supplemental enzymes can help prevent or reduce these discomforts to help you feel comfortable eating the foods you enjoy.*

Herbal supplements may provide reliefWhen occasional heartburn and acid reflux do happen, herbal supplements made with natural ingredients may help soothe the burn and provide acid reflux relief.* Heartburn Stop from Renew Life is a chewable digestive enzyme made with herbs, minerals and enzymes that help neutralize stomach acidity for the relief of occasional heartburn.* Soothing ingredients are added that have traditionally been used to help protect the lining of the esophagus and the stomach so you feel comfortable again.*

When to talk to your doctorWhile it’s true that most Americans experience heartburn and acid reflux on occasion, ongoing issues could signal a more serious problem. If symptoms persist and you notice you are taking over-the-counter medications two times a week or more, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor. With continuing symptoms there is an increased risk of permanent damage to the esophagus and, in severe cases, a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.

Finally, the Mayo Clinic recommends seeking immediate medical attention for chest pain (especially if accompanied by shortness of breath or jaw or arm pain), as this may signal a heart attack.

Hope for Healthy DigestionIf you experience the occasional discomfort of acid reflux and heartburn, there are simple, natural steps you can take toward helping to prevent your symptoms and support healthy digestion. Pay attention to the foods you eat and how they make you feel, and keep these tips in mind for a healthier, happier digestive system.

Let’s talk belly bloat. You know, that yucky feeling like your insides are ballooning to blimp-sized proportions. Most of us have been there a time or two. And then there are the stomach pains and excessive gas that sometimes tag along—what are those all about?

In truth, there may be many possible reasons behind a bloated stomach and the discomfort that goes along with it, from food sensitivity to an underlying health problem. The good news is that there are natural ways to reduce and possibly prevent occasional stomach pain and bloating before it happens. But first, let’s look at the signs and symptoms of a bloated belly and what your gastrointestinal system may be trying to tell you.

Signs and Symptoms: What is Your Body Saying?While the occasional bloated belly and stomach pain may happen after a big meal, ongoing problems may be cause for concern. According to experts at the Mayo Clinic, you are more likely to experience problems with bloating if you:

Are lactose or gluten intolerant;

Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes ;

Drink carbonated beverages; and/or

Have a chronic intestinal condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.

Additional signs and symptoms may include increased flatulence (passing gas), severe cramping or shooting pains, a knotted feeling your abdominal area, and a feeling of swelling or tightness in your midsection. Let’s take a deeper look into what may be triggering those symptoms.

What Causes Bloating and Stomach Pain?When you really sit down and think about, the human digestive system is pretty amazing, turning the food we eat into fuel the body uses for energy and to help us grow. But when you consider the more than 100 trillion microscopic organisms that exist in a delicate balance inside your digestive tract, you begin to see how even small changes in our everyday routine can impact healthy digestion and lead to occasional stomach pain and bloating. In fact, all too often digestive problems can be attributed to digestive imbalance—or when there is no longer an ideal ratio of good bacteria (called probiotics) and neutral bacteria to harmful bacteria in your gut. Other causes may include:

Diet: Many people experience bloating after eating. This can be the result of eating certain foods known to cause digestive discomfort. Artificial sweeteners have also been linked to excess gas and stomach upset.

Swallowing air: You may not think about it, but every time you drink, eat or even chew gum you are swallowing air. More air can lead to more gas in your intestinal tract.

Is There a Natural Treatment Option?If you have ever wondered about ways to reduce bloating, you’re not alone. First, you should know there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. Instead, it is often a combination of things that can help reduce occasional bloating and stomach pain, including the use of natural digestive wellness supplements. Here are some helpful tips:

Eat a healthy diet: Avoid heavily processed foods, fried or fatty foods and artificial sweeteners. Those with known food sensitivity may need to avoid certain foods such as dairy products and foods that contain gluten.

Listen to your body: Keep track of the factors that lead to your occasional bloating and stomach pain. Are they food related? Does it happen at different times throughout the day? Do you have any other symptoms? These may provide helpful clues to improve digestive health.

Take a daily probiotic: As we’ve learned, occasional stomach pain and bloating are often caused by an imbalance of bacteria in the gut. Taking a daily probiotic supplement like Renew Life® Ultimate Flora Probiotics may help reestablish digestive balance for those who experience occasional digestive discomfort.*

Take digestive enzymes: We all indulge every now and then, but many of the healthy, high-fiber foods we eat every day can also cause occasional bloating and stomach pain. Supplemental digestive enzymes can help prevent or reduce these discomforts so you can feel comfortable eating the foods you enjoy.*

Consider regular herbal cleansing: Herbal cleanse and detox formulas work with your body’s natural metabolism to help eliminate waste and toxins that can lead to digestive imbalance.*

Drink plenty of water each day: The scientific community has produced hundreds of studies indicating drinking more water contributes to a healthy weight. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of purified (filtered) water every day.

Eat smaller meals throughout the day. Instead of three large meals a day, eating smaller meals more frequently may help reduce the risk of stomach pain and bloating. Remember to take your time eating and chew slowly.

Exercise regularly. Along with helping to move gas through your digestive tract, exercise supports a balanced bacterial environment in the gut—which can help prevent occasional bloating and stomach pain.

When to Talk to Your DoctorWhile occasional bloating and stomach pain happen to many of us, there are times when you may need to talk to your health care practitioner. If your symptoms persist and begin to interfere with your normal life, contact your doctor and let him or her know. In addition, if you develop symptoms such as nausea and/or vomiting, a change in stool color or frequency, bloody stool, weight loss or chest pain, let your doctor know immediately. Even though digestive health may be a difficult subject to talk about, it is important to be open and honest with your health care practitioner. Because least 70% of your immune system is in your gut, taking care of your digestive health is an important step toward feeling your best every day.

]]>https://blog.renewlife.com/how-to-relieve-occasional-stomach-pain-and-reduce-bloating-naturally/feed/0Diarrhea 101: What it Says About Your Health | Digestive Healthhttps://blog.renewlife.com/diarrhea-101-what-it-says-about-your-health-digestive-health/
https://blog.renewlife.com/diarrhea-101-what-it-says-about-your-health-digestive-health/#respondTue, 17 Oct 2017 14:44:51 +0000https://blog.renewlife.com/?p=5849Did you know you can tell a lot about a person’s health by what’s going on in their gut? Two…

Did you know you can tell a lot about a person’s health by what’s going on in their gut? Two or three well-formed bowel movements each day, for example, is a good indicator of a balanced intestinal environment—meaning there’s an ideal ratio of good (and neutral) to harmful bacteria in the gut. A balanced gut helps to “keep things moving,” so to speak, but when that balance is out of whack, digestive problems such as diarrhea may occur.

First things first: what is diarrhea?Diarrhea is commonly defined as the frequent passage of loose, watery stools—typically triggered by intestinal irritation or a change in motility (muscular action) in the digestive tract. There are two main types of diarrhea: acute, meaning occasional, and chronic diarrhea, which lasts for more than a couple days. Let’s look at both.

Acute (occasional) diarrheaMost of us have experienced an occasional bout of diarrhea at one time or another. This type of diarrhea lasts two to three days and may be accompanied by abdominal cramping, bloating and/or nausea in addition to loose stools.

Chronic diarrheaWhen diarrhea lasts longer than two to three days, it is considered chronic diarrhea. People with chronic diarrhea may develop more severe symptoms, including fever, weight loss, bloody stools and/or intense abdominal or rectal pain.

Should I worry about prolonged diarrhea?The short answer is yes. Constant diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which is very dangerous and potentially even life threatening. This is especially true for young children and the elderly, whose immune defenses may not be as strong. Symptoms of dehydration include excessive thirst, urinating less often and fatigue. In children, look for drowsiness, fever and a dry mouth and tongue. Call a doctor immediately if these signs are present.

What causes diarrhea?The causes of diarrhea can vary greatly, but one of the most common diarrhea causes is diet. The types of food we eat and beverages we drink have a big impact on our gut health, and things like sugar and artificial sweeteners, fried and fatty foods and caffeine may contribute to diarrhea symptoms, as well as too little fiber in the diet. Other common causes include food sensitivity (e.g. gluten intolerance), the use of certain medications, stress, nutrient deficiency, intestinal diseases and bacterial or parasitic infection.

Are there home remedies for occasional diarrhea?Many people want to know how to stop diarrhea, but like most health issues it is best to take a preventative approach. That way, you can avoid the problem in the first place. There are many simple, natural steps you can take to support bowel health and help prevent occasional diarrhea. These include:

Eating plenty of fiber. Fiber supports good digestion and bowel function by helping to absorb and eliminate toxins in the colon that may trigger diarrhea.* Good sources include fruit, non-starchy veggies, whole grains, legumes and nuts, along with a daily fiber supplement.*

Limiting fried and fatty foods. Fried foods and certain fatty meats may contribute to occasional diarrhea. Try to avoid these foods or consume them in moderation.

Cutting back on caffeine. Highly caffeinated foods and beverages (such as coffee, tea, soda and chocolate) have been shown to worsen diarrhea symptoms.

Avoiding problem foods. Diarrhea may stem from an underlying food sensitivity; the two most common are gluten and dairy. Modifying your diet to avoid problem foods may help prevent diarrhea and support bowel health.

Being kind to your digestive tract. Herbs such as marshmallow root and ginger root, along with the amino acid L-glutamine, all found in our IntestiNew formula, help nourish and soothe the intestinal tract and bowel.*

Drinking plenty of water. Studies indicate that kids and teens are not drinking enough water, contributing to health problems that have digestive implications. Drinking plenty of purified water (at least half your body weight in ounces each day) helps flush out toxins and other harmful microbes that may cause diarrhea.

When should I consult my doctor?While an occasional bout of watery diarrhea is not a cause for concern, those with symptoms lasting more than a few days should call their doctor. Seek help immediately if the following symptoms occur:

Dehydration

Severe abdominal/rectal pain

Blood in stools/black stools

Fever higher than 102° F (39° C)

Good digestive health begins in the gutA healthy and well-balanced gut is often considered the foundation of good health. Not only can taking care of your gut help prevent occasional diarrhea and other digestive issues, but it also supports your overall health. At least 70% of the immune system can be found in the gut, so remember to be good to yours by following a wholesome diet and including Renew Life digestive wellness supplements in your daily health regimen.

Kids. Those fearless little humans who remind us to laugh out loud. Eat ice cream. Go play outside. Turns out they’re a lot like us—especially when you consider at least 70% of their immune system is in their gut. Now let’s talk back to school. With all those new challenges awaiting them, making sure they have plenty of good bacteria is a great way to help them be prepared. But whaddya say we take a recess from all this reading and watch a video?

A healthy, balanced gut is important for good digestion and a growing immune system, so why not consider a new approach to wellness? Probiotics. Being a kid takes guts. Make sure theirs are up for it with Renew Life®.